Advertisement League of Ireland Horse Racing TV Listings GAA Fixtures The Video Review Sport meets news, current affairs, society & pop culture Rugby Weekly Extra Dive into all the news and analysis 3 times a week The Football Family Weekly insights from the week’s big talking points Advertisement More Stories (L-R) Brooke Nunn of the Mariners, Mariners head coach Emily Husband and Sarah Rowe of the Mariners as Central Coast Mariners players celebrate winning the A-League Women Grand Final match.Alamy Stock Photo FreeTake a Bow Joy for Ireland's Sarah Rowe as Mariners win first A-League Women's title It was a day to remember for the Ballina native. 11.16am, 18 May 2025 Share options UNDERDOG CENTRAL Coast Mariners claimed their first A-League Women’s title on Sunday after prevailing 5-4 in a penalty shootout over Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park. It was a day to remember for Ballina native Sarah Rowe. The 29-year-old, who has also represented Mayo GAA at intercounty level, started the game at right-back for the Mariners against her former club, having joined the Mariners in December of last year. Scores were deadlocked at 1-1 following regulation and extra time, forcing the first penalty shootout in the competition’s grand final history. Victory’s Alana Jancevski hit the crossbar on the first kick before the Mariners calmly nailed five in a row to trigger scenes of jubilation. “We were very lucky to win and they were unlucky to lose,” Mariners goalkeeper Sarah Langman said. “We were ready (for the penalty shootout) and knew we could do it.” Showing no nerves in their maiden grand final appearance, Mariners defied the partisan crowd with Matildas squad member Isabel Gomez breaking the deadlock in the 46th minute. Advertisement Victory were forced into attack mode in a bid to become the first team since Sydney FC in 2009 to come from behind and win a grand final. After waves of attack, Victory were finally rewarded when New Zealand international Claudia Bunge headed the ball past Langman in the 80th minute. For just the second time in the competition’s history, the grand final went into extra time, but neither team could break the deadlock. Mariners’ triumph was a remarkable comeback for the A-League Women’s smallest club after they were kicked out of the competition in 2010 due to a lack of funding before making a celebrated return two years ago. During a regular season where they finished fourth, the Mariners showcased tactical discipline under Emily Husband, one of only two women coaches in the 12-team league. They entered the final on the back of a major semi-final upset to end Melbourne City’s hopes of a trophy treble. It’s been a fruitful period for the franchise with the Mariners men’s team having claimed back-to-back titles. The men’s A-League grand final will be held on 31 May. – © AFP 2025 Additional reporting by Paul Fennessy Viewcomments Send Tip or Correction Embed this post To embed this post, copy the code below on your site Email “Joy for Ireland's Sarah Rowe as Mariners win first A-League Women's title”. Recipient's Email Feedback on “Joy for Ireland's Sarah Rowe as Mariners win first A-League Women's title”. Your Feedback Your Email (optional) Report a Comment Please select the reason for reporting this comment. Please give full details of the problem with the comment... This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy before taking part. Leave a Comment Submit a report Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines. Damaging the good reputation of someone, slander, or libel. Racism or Hate speech An attack on an individual or group based on religion, race, gender, or beliefs. 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